Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head ยท Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 vs VPH108Wireless RGB vs Wired Value

Choose the APT108 for wireless flexibility and advanced software, or the VPH108 for a simpler, more affordable wired setup.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2

Wireless RGB

Build quality in the top 30% of 100% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Triple connectivity with wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • VIA software support for easy key remapping and macro programming.
  • South-facing RGB LEDs with per-key lighting.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Get the

Varmilo VPH108

Wired Value

Build quality in the top 50% of 100% boards under $150.

If you want

  • More affordable price point for a hotswap mechanical keyboard.
  • Includes double silicone sound dampening pads for a quieter typing experience.
  • Simple wired USB-C connection with no batteries or pairing required.

Rules this board out

  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Bottom line

Your budget and need for wireless freedom are the deciding factors. The Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 justifies its higher cost with robust triple connectivity, full RGB, and VIA software, making it a future-proof choice for power users. If you only need a reliable, well-built wired keyboard for a fixed desk setup and want to save money, the VPH108 delivers core Varmilo quality without the extra features.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2

Varmilo VPH108

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Case material

    ABS

    Plastic

  • Switch options

    Linear, Silent, Tactile

    Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

  • VIA

    Yes

    No

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

  • Backlight

    RGB, south-facing

    White, north-facing

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2
  • Varmilo VPH108
Performance
79
55
Build quality
64
55
Productivity
86
79
Customizability
80
64
Portability
54
46

What they share

  • Layout size: 100%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Plate Mount
  • Sound dampening
  • Plate material: Plastic
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 is the more versatile choice, winning in most categories due to its wireless options and VIA programmability. It is better suited for gaming, office multitasking, programming, and content creation where connectivity and customization are key. The VPH108 serves as a competent, more affordable wired alternative, but both share the same large footprint, making them equally cumbersome for travel.

For gaming

Pick the Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2

  • The APT108 offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
  • It provides a 2.4 GHz wireless connection with a 250 Hz polling rate for cable-free gaming.
  • Its south-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.

Full specs

Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 vs VPH108 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

7 of 20 specs differ

Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2

Varmilo VPH108

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Plate Mount
Plate Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

100%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
โ€”

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
Plastic

Plate material

Plastic
Plastic

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
White, north-facing

Firmware & software

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2024

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 vs VPH108: your questions

Yes, the APT108 is suitable for gaming. It offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for responsive input, and a 250 Hz rate in 2.4 GHz wireless mode for cable-free play. Its N-key rollover ensures all key presses are registered simultaneously.

No, the VPH108 product listing does not mention VIA, QMK, or any other software support for key remapping. Its customization is limited to the physical hotswap switch replacement.

The APT108 has south-facing LEDs, meaning the LED is on the bottom of the switch. This prevents interference with Cherry-profile keycaps for a better fit. The VPH108 has north-facing white LEDs, which can sometimes cause interference with certain keycap profiles.

Yes, both the Varmilo APT108 and VPH108 feature a USB-C port for wired connectivity. The APT108 uses it for charging and data, while for the VPH108 it is the sole connection method.

Both keyboards use dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, which are durable and resist shine. However, they differ in colorway and backlighting; the APT108 has a blue/white set for RGB, and the VPH108 has a grey/black set for white LED backlighting.

Both keyboards feature sound dampening (double-layer silicone in the APT108, double silicone pads in the VPH108) and offer silent switch options. The APT108 may have an edge due to its wireless connectivity reducing desk clutter, but both are acoustically prepared for office use.

The APT108's hotswap PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches. The VPH108 listing confirms it is hotswap but does not specify pin compatibility, so it's advisable to check for 3-pin and 5-pin support before purchasing switches.

Yes, according to the product listings, both the APT108 Sakura R2 and the VPH108 are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

The APT108 uses an ABS case material, while the VPH108 is listed with a plastic case. Both have plastic plates and similar construction features like a two-step kickstand and a 3-way cord channel under the keyboard.

The manufacturer lists different polling rates for each mode: 1000 Hz for wired, 250 Hz for 2.4 GHz wireless, and 133 Hz for Bluetooth. The 2.4 GHz mode offers a balance of wireless freedom and responsiveness, though it is not as fast as the wired connection.

The APT108 is generally easier to mod due to its VIA software support for firmware changes and its flex cut PCB. Both have hotswap sockets and pre-installed sound dampening, but the APT108 offers more avenues for customization.

Neither the Varmilo APT108 Sakura R2 nor the VPH108 product descriptions mention an included wrist rest. They do feature an adjustable two-step kickstand for changing the typing angle.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.